Transformers roll past Coast Guard, make semis

Even with a powered-down lineup Customs proved too much for sinking Coast Guard last night.

Alyssa Valdez scored 14 points as Customs tinkered on the lineup and pulled off a 25-18, 25-12, 25-18 win over Coast Guard, to bag a semifinal slot in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at Philsports Arena.

“We’re really happy to win, this is a confidence-booster as we head to the semifinals,” said Valdez. “We still have to learn from our mistakes, the little things inside the court which make the difference at the end of the game.”

BaliPure completed the semifinal cast after downing Laoag, 25-21, 26-24, 25-13, in the nightcap.

Customs coach Sherwin Meneses had the luxury of experimenting with his roster, resting his starters and giving others the chance to play.

Thai import Kanjana Kuthaisong scored seven points, while Michiko Castaneda and Lilet Mabbayad added five hits a piece.

Sam Dawson fired 11 points for Coast Guard, which also drew six markers from skipper Hazel Mea and five points from Michaella Caraan.

But there was no stopping Customs guns, firing 36 spikes against 21 of Coast Guard. The Transformers had more blocks, 7-2, and aces, 9-7.

Customs and BaliPure joined University of Santo Tomas and Pocari Sweat in the next round.

Earlier, Air Force hacked out a 22-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-21 triumph over Instituto Estetico Manila to move within a win of sweeping the eliminations in the Spikers’ Turf men’s volleyball.